If you are looking for some fun things to check out in Austin, Texas without spending a lot of money, you might want to check out this list that I compiled with my wife. As a father of three young children, I am always looking to maximize our fun without breaking the bank. Enjoy!
Mount Bonnell - This is one of the highest points in Austin, and it is open to the public. Since you have to climb a mega-staircase to get to the top, it's great for exercise, has a great view for miles, makes a great romantic picnic spot, and... it's free! It overlooks Lake Austin and some of the gorgeous waterfront estate homes.
Barton Springs Pool - Free during colder weather, when there are no lifeguards, but still very cheap during the summer. This natural spring swimming pool has a constant year-round temperature of 68 degrees. Brrr! I haven't been there to swim in years, but it is definitely invigorating.
UT Tower - Closed for many years after the 1961 Charles Whitman shooting incident, the tower's observation deck is now open again to the public.
Governor's Mansion - Visit the Governor of Texas' home for free. Why not?
LBJ Library - This top-notch facility is on the University of Texas campus. A library with documents from Lyndon Baines Johnson's presidency, plus a museum of many interesting and beautiful artifacts of LBJ and Lady Bird's lives.
Zilker Park - The playscapes, fields, Botanical Garden, and parking at Zilker are free. The train is not. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden charges a small fee for people over 6 years old, but the cost is more for tours or workshops. This is considered Austin's version of Central Park, since it is located next to downtown. This is home to the annual Trail of Lights during the Christmas season, and it also plays hosts to concerts and events with some regularity.
Lake Travis - Try swimming or fishing in Lake Travis for fun. There are lots of options here - sailing, jetskis, speedboat rentals, Volente Beach, and more.
Feeding Ducks at the Arboretum - Go to the Arboretum shopping center, and climb on the fun cow sculptures (made of stone.) Then, take some stale bread down the small, stone path that goes down to the pond, so you can feed the ducks. Our kids love this particular adventure!
Tour the State Capitol - Don't forget to bring some unsalted nuts for the squirrels and stale bread for the pigeons on the grounds of the capitol building. Go inside for a tour of the classically designed building, including paintings of past governors. Here, you can also see the legislature room where Texas laws are made. 
Congress Avenue Bats - Yes, you read that right. Austin is home to the largest bat colony in North America, and they live underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Right before dusk, go to the bridge and wait. They start coming out slowly at first, then begin flooding out. It looks like a smoke trail going off into the distance. The bats' squeaking is very high, but you can hear it. I would recommend that you stand above the bridge, not under it. There are also boat tours offered to take advantage of this event.
Austin Farmer's Market - From their website: "There are plentiful prepared foods, farm products turned into jams, salsas and honey, and hand-made crafts. Chef's demos, children's activities, and live local musicians make supporting local growers fun!" Check the link above for times, location, and parking details.
If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Austin, Texas area, give me a call anytime. I would love the chance to help. I can be reached via cell at 512-796-7653 or email at jason@austintexashomes.com. My primary Austin Texas real estate website is www.austintexashomes.com.
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I saw the bats when I was there in 2000. My cousin was impressed that I knew about them. I thought everyone knew about them. :)
FANTASTIC Localism post Jason! I love this type of information for those relocating and so do they! You live in a gorgeous city with LOTS to do. Thanks for sharing...
DOREEN - Most people who come to visit don't seem to know about them unless they heard about it recently. Go figure.
DEBE - THANKS! I enjoyed putting this one together. Austin really is a terrific town - I can't really imagine living elsewhere.
Jason.... your posts make me want to move to Austin! Sounds like a wonderful place to live!
Susan
This is a great localism blog for anyone relocating to Austin.... As a mother of 3 boys, it was always important to visit cities with activities to keep them all busy, especially when they were very young
People can actually go inside the governor's mansion? Does he live there?
I love that beautiful plantation house though.
LISA - I believe he lives there during the legislative sessions, but not year round. I love the look of that house, too!
RICH - Austin really is a terrific place to live and work. Barton Springs requires a measure of bravery - well done! I haven't been since I was about 20 or so.
Jason,
All my messages in "My Home" disappeared today, including one from you about a contest you had suggested I enter. I blogged about the disappearing stuff. Would you please come over and comment, and let me know what contest it was? Here's the link: Lost In Space! Home Page Messages Vanish!
Mike in Tucson
Jason,
I've always marveled about the bats...I'm not fond of bats even though I'm a baseball fan!!! :) Thanks, Fran
FRAN - I am not particularly fond of individual bats, but watching the enormous number of bats come flying out to feed is pretty fun. As a side benefit, they are feeding on pesky insects like mosquitoes, so it's a win-win.
ADAM - I am glad that this inspired you to create your own list. Pam helped me put this list together, and it was actually her idea.
Jason, I have loved Austin since we went to visit friends there in the mid1970's (we were very young; by the way) and got lost and couldn't believe the beautiful hill country we found. You have put together a great affordable list of things to do.
RICH - Thanks! I thought it turned out really well. Make your own list, as you indicated. The bats are best observed from a boat or on top of the bridge.
MARCHEL - That sounds like a fun trip that you took. The hill country is lovely, especially this time of year. Thanks for your supportive comments!
We could have used this list when I visited my daughter at grad school at UT. Well, she's in Dallas now, so who knows - maybe we'll go back to Austin for a weekend sometime, so I'd better bookmark this.
Jason:
Great localism post. This was a really great idea. Good pictures too. Hope you have a great week.
02/20/2008 12:22 AM - (54 comments)
Hi Jason, just stopped by to tip our hat to you for a great post. Congratulations on being in the Top Ten Texas Roundup, Liz & Marchel (L & M), Texas Real Estate Group
Jason,
I've done many of these things but will have to check the rest out in the future when we visit Austin.
Thanks and take care,
Lucky :)